Operation Based on Multiple Sub-Bands

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/757,552 filed on Feb. 12, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems and, more specifically, the present disclosure is related to apparatuses and methods of operation based on multiple sub-bands.

Wireless communication has been one of the most successful innovations in modern history. Recently, the number of subscribers to wireless communication services exceeded five billion and continues to grow quickly. The demand of wireless data traffic is rapidly increasing due to the growing popularity among consumers and businesses of smart phones and other mobile data devices, such as tablets, “note pad” computers, net books, eBook readers, and machine type of devices. In order to meet the high growth in mobile data traffic and support new applications and deployments, improvements in radio interface efficiency and coverage are of paramount importance. To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of 4G communication systems, and to enable various vertical applications, 5G communication systems have been developed and are currently being deployed.

The present disclosure relates to operation based on multiple sub-bands.

In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The UE includes a transceiver configured to receive a synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) block in a cell and a processor operably coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to identify a first initial bandwidth part (iBWP) based on the SS/PBCH block. The transceiver is further configured to receive a system information block, based on the first iBWP. The processor is further configured to identify, based on the system information block, a set of sub-bands associated with the cell. The first iBWP is within a first sub-band in the set of sub-bands. The set of sub-bands do not overlap in a frequency domain.

In another embodiment, a method of a UE in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving a SS/PBCH block in a cell and identifying a first iBWP based on the SS/PBCH block. The method further includes receiving a system information block, based on the first iBWP and identifying, based on the system information block, a set of sub-bands associated with the cell. The first iBWP is within a first sub-band in the set of sub-bands. The set of sub-bands do not overlap in a frequency domain.

In yet another embodiment, a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system is provided. The BS includes a processor configured to determine a first iBWP and determine a set of sub-bands associated with a cell. The first iBWP is within a first sub-band in the set of sub-bands. The set of sub-bands do not overlap in a frequency domain. The BS further includes a transceiver operably coupled to the processor. The transceiver is configured to transmit a SS/PBCH block in the cell and transmit a system information block, based on the first iBWP. The SS/PBCH block includes a first configuration for the first iBWP. The system information block includes a second configuration for the set of sub-bands.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “transmit,” “receive,” and “communicate,” as well as derivatives thereof, encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, means to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The term “controller” means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software and/or firmware. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in a computer readable medium. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

1 10 FIGS.- discussed below, and the various, non-limiting embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of 4G communication systems, and to enable various vertical applications, 5G/NR communication systems have been developed and are currently being deployed. The 5G/NR communication system is implemented in higher frequency (mmWave) bands, e.g., 28 GHz or 60 GHz bands, so as to accomplish higher data rates or in lower frequency bands, such as 6 GHz, to enable robust coverage and mobility support. To decrease propagation loss of the radio waves and increase the transmission distance, the beamforming, massive MIMO, full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, an analog beam forming, large scale antenna techniques are discussed in 5G/NR communication systems.

In addition, in 5G/NR communication systems, development for system network improvement is under way based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (RANs), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, moving network, cooperative communication, coordinated multi-points (CoMP), reception-end interference cancelation and the like.

The discussion of 5G systems and frequency bands associated therewith is for reference as certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in 5G systems. However, the present disclosure is not limited to 5G systems, or the frequency bands associated therewith, and embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized in connection with any frequency band. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may also be applied to deployment of 5G communication systems, 6G, or even later releases which may use terahertz (THz) bands.

The following documents and standards descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure as if fully set forth herein: [REF 1] 3GPP TS 38.211v 16.6.0, “NR; Physical channels and modulation;” [REF 2] 3GPP TS 38.212v 16.6.0 , “NR; Multiplexing and channel coding”; [REF 3] 3GPP TS 38.213v 16.6.0, “NR; Physical layer procedures for control;” [REF 4] 3GPP TS 38.214v 16.6.0 , “NR; Physical layer procedures for data;” [REF 5] 3GPP TS 38.331v 16.5.0, “NR; Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol specification.”

1 3 FIGS.- 1 3 FIGS.- below describe various embodiments implemented in wireless communications systems and with the use of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication techniques. The descriptions ofare not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to how different embodiments may be implemented. Different embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged communications system.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 100 100 100 illustrates an example wireless networkaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the wireless networkshown inis for illustration only. Other embodiments of the wireless networkcould be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

1 FIG. 100 101 102 103 101 102 103 101 130 As shown in, the wireless networkincludes a gNB(e.g., base station, BS), a gNB, and a gNB. The gNBcommunicates with the gNBand the gNB. The gNBalso communicates with at least one network, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network.

102 130 120 102 111 112 113 114 115 116 103 130 125 103 115 116 101 103 111 116 The gNBprovides wireless broadband access to the networkfor a first plurality of user equipments (UEs) within a coverage areaof the gNB. The first plurality of UEs includes a UE, which may be located in a small business; a UE, which may be located in an enterprise; a UE, which may be a WiFi hotspot; a UE, which may be located in a first residence; a UE, which may be located in a second residence; and a UE, which may be a mobile device, such as a cell phone, a wireless laptop, a wireless PDA, or the like. The gNBprovides wireless broadband access to the networkfor a second plurality of UEs within a coverage areaof the gNB. The second plurality of UEs includes the UEand the UE. In some embodiments, one or more of the gNBs-may communicate with each other and with the UEs-using 5G/NR, long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), WiMAX, WiFi, or other wireless communication techniques.

rd Depending on the network type, the term “base station” or “BS” can refer to any component (or collection of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as transmit point (TP), transmit-receive point (TRP), an enhanced base station (eNodeB or eNB), a 5G/NR base station (gNB), a macrocell, a femtocell, a WiFi access point (AP), or other wirelessly enabled devices. Base stations may provide wireless access in accordance with one or more wireless communication protocols, e.g., 5G/NR 3generation partnership project (3GPP) NR, long term evolution (LTE), LTE advanced (LTE-A), high speed packet access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, etc. For the sake of convenience, the terms “BS” and “TRP” are used interchangeably in this patent document to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals. Also, depending on the network type, the term “user equipment” or “UE” can refer to any component such as “mobile station,” “subscriber station,” “remote terminal,” “wireless terminal,” “receive point,” or “user device.” For the sake of convenience, the terms “user equipment” and “UE” are used in this patent document to refer to remote wireless equipment that wirelessly accesses a BS, whether the UE is a mobile device (such as a mobile telephone or smartphone) or is normally considered a stationary device (such as a desktop computer or vending machine).

120 125 120 125 The dotted lines show the approximate extents of the coverage areasand, which are shown as approximately circular for the purposes of illustration and explanation only. It should be clearly understood that the coverage areas associated with gNBs, such as the coverage areasand, may have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending upon the configuration of the gNBs and variations in the radio environment associated with natural and man-made obstructions.

111 116 101 103 As described in more detail below, one or more of the UEs-include circuitry, programing, or a combination thereof for operation based on multiple sub-bands. In certain embodiments, one or more of the BSs-include circuitry, programing, or a combination thereof to support operation based on multiple sub-bands.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 100 101 130 102 103 130 130 101 102 103 Althoughillustrates one example of a wireless network, various changes may be made to. For example, the wireless networkcould include any number of gNBs and any number of UEs in any suitable arrangement. Also, the gNBcould communicate directly with any number of UEs and provide those UEs with wireless broadband access to the network. Similarly, each gNB-could communicate directly with the networkand provide UEs with direct wireless broadband access to the network. Further, the gNBs,, and/orcould provide access to other or additional external networks, such as external telephone networks or other types of data networks.

2 FIG. 2 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 102 102 101 103 illustrates an example gNBaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the gNBillustrated inis for illustration only, and the gNBsandofcould have the same or similar configuration. However, gNBs come in a wide variety of configurations, anddoes not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular implementation of a gNB.

2 FIG. 102 205 205 210 210 225 230 235 a n, a n, As shown in, the gNBincludes multiple antennas-multiple transceivers-a controller/processor, a memory, and a backhaul or network interface.

210 210 205 205 100 210 210 210 210 225 225 a n a n, a n a n The transceivers-receive, from the antennas-incoming radio frequency (RF) signals, such as signals transmitted by UEs in the wireless network. The transceivers-down-convert the incoming RF signals to generate IF or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are processed by receive (RX) processing circuitry in the transceivers-and/or controller/processor, which generates processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and/or digitizing the baseband or IF signals. The controller/processormay further process the baseband signals.

210 210 225 225 210 210 205 205 a n a n a n. Transmit (TX) processing circuitry in the transceivers-and/or controller/processorreceives analog or digital data (such as voice data, web data, e-mail, or interactive video game data) from the controller/processor. The TX processing circuitry encodes, multiplexes, and/or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate processed baseband or IF signals. The transceivers-up-converts the baseband or IF signals to RF signals that are transmitted via the antennas-

225 102 225 210 210 225 225 205 205 225 102 225 a n a n The controller/processorcan include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the gNB. For example, the controller/processorcould control the reception of uplink (UL) channel signals and the transmission of downlink (DL) channel signals by the transceivers-in accordance with well-known principles. The controller/processorcould support additional functions as well, such as more advanced wireless communication functions. For instance, the controller/processorcould support beam forming or directional routing operations in which outgoing/incoming signals from/to multiple antennas-are weighted differently to effectively steer the outgoing signals in a desired direction. As another example, the controller/processorcould support methods for operation based on multiple sub-bands. Any of a wide variety of other functions could be supported in the gNBby the controller/processor.

225 230 225 230 The controller/processoris also capable of executing programs and other processes resident in the memory, such as processes to support operation based on multiple sub-bands. The controller/processorcan move data into or out of the memoryas required by an executing process.

225 235 235 102 235 102 235 102 102 235 102 235 The controller/processoris also coupled to the backhaul or network interface. The backhaul or network interfaceallows the gNBto communicate with other devices or systems over a backhaul connection or over a network. The interfacecould support communications over any suitable wired or wireless connection(s). For example, when the gNBis implemented as part of a cellular communication system (such as one supporting 5G/NR, LTE, or LTE-A), the interfacecould allow the gNBto communicate with other gNBs over a wired or wireless backhaul connection. When the gNBis implemented as an access point, the interfacecould allow the gNBto communicate over a wired or wireless local area network or over a wired or wireless connection to a larger network (such as the Internet). The interfaceincludes any suitable structure supporting communications over a wired or wireless connection, such as an Ethernet or transceiver.

230 225 230 230 The memoryis coupled to the controller/processor. Part of the memorycould include a RAM, and another part of the memorycould include a Flash memory or other ROM.

2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 102 102 Althoughillustrates one example of gNB, various changes may be made to. For example, the gNBcould include any number of each component shown in. Also, various components incould be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs.

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 1 FIG. 3 FIG. 116 116 111 115 illustrates an example UEaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the UEillustrated inis for illustration only, and the UEs-ofcould have the same or similar configuration. However, UEs come in a wide variety of configurations, anddoes not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular implementation of a UE.

3 FIG. 116 305 310 320 116 330 340 345 350 355 360 360 361 362 As shown in, the UEincludes antenna(s), a transceiver(s), and a microphone. The UEalso includes a speaker, a processor, an input/output (I/O) interface (IF), an input, a display, and a memory. The memoryincludes an operating system (OS)and one or more applications.

310 305 100 310 310 340 330 340 The transceiver(s)receives from the antenna(s), an incoming RF signal transmitted by a gNB of the wireless network. The transceiver(s)down-converts the incoming RF signal to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is processed by RX processing circuitry in the transceiver(s)and/or processor, which generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding, and/or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The RX processing circuitry sends the processed baseband signal to the speaker(such as for voice data) or is processed by the processor(such as for web browsing data).

310 340 320 340 310 305 TX processing circuitry in the transceiver(s)and/or processorreceives analog or digital voice data from the microphoneor other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, e-mail, or interactive video game data) from the processor. The TX processing circuitry encodes, multiplexes, and/or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The transceiver(s)up-converts the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal that is transmitted via the antenna(s).

340 361 360 116 340 310 340 The processorcan include one or more processors or other processing devices and execute the OSstored in the memoryin order to control the overall operation of the UE. For example, the processorcould control the reception of DL channel signals and the transmission of uplink (UL) channel signals by the transceiver(s)in accordance with well-known principles. In some embodiments, the processorincludes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

340 360 340 340 360 340 362 361 340 345 116 345 340 The processoris also capable of executing other processes and programs resident in the memory. For example, the processormay execute processes for operation based on multiple sub-bands as described in embodiments of the present disclosure. The processorcan move data into or out of the memoryas required by an executing process. In some embodiments, the processoris configured to execute the applicationsbased on the OSor in response to signals received from gNBs or an operator. The processoris also coupled to the I/O interface, which provides the UEwith the ability to connect to other devices, such as laptop computers and handheld computers. The I/O interfaceis the communication path between these accessories and the processor.

340 350 355 116 350 116 355 The processoris also coupled to the input, which includes, for example, a touchscreen, keypad, etc., and the display. The operator of the UEcan use the inputto enter data into the UE. The displaymay be a liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, or other display capable of rendering text and/or at least limited graphics, such as from web sites.

360 340 360 360 The memoryis coupled to the processor. Part of the memorycould include a random-access memory (RAM), and another part of the memorycould include a Flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM).

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 3 FIG. 3 FIG. 116 340 310 116 Althoughillustrates one example of UE, various changes may be made to. For example, various components incould be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs. As a particular example, the processorcould be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). In another example, the transceiver(s)may include any number of transceivers and signal processing chains and may be connected to any number of antennas. Also, whileillustrates the UEconfigured as a mobile telephone or smartphone, UEs could be configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices.

4 FIG.A 4 FIG.B 400 450 400 102 450 116 450 400 400 450 andillustrate an example of wireless transmit and receive pathsand, respectively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a transmit pathmay be described as being implemented in a gNB (such as gNB), while a receive pathmay be described as being implemented in a UE (such as UE). However, it will be understood that the receive pathcan be implemented in a gNB and that the transmit pathcan be implemented in a UE. In some embodiments, the transmit pathand/or receive pathis configured for operation based on multiple sub-bands as described in embodiments of the present disclosure.

4 FIG.A 400 405 410 415 420 425 430 450 455 460 465 470 475 480 As illustrated in, the transmit pathincludes a channel coding and modulation block, a serial-to-parallel (S-to-P) block, a size N Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) block, a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block, an add cyclic prefix block, and an up-converter (UC). The receive pathincludes a down-converter (DC), a remove cyclic prefix block, a S-to-P block, a size N Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block, a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block, and a channel decoding and demodulation block.

400 405 410 415 420 415 425 430 425 In the transmit path, the channel coding and modulation blockreceives a set of information bits, applies coding (such as a low-density parity check (LDPC) coding), and modulates the input bits (such as with Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)) to generate a sequence of frequency-domain modulation symbols. The serial-to-parallel blockconverts (such as de-multiplexes) the serial modulated symbols to parallel data in order to generate N parallel symbol streams, where N is the IFFT/FFT size used in the gNB and the UE. The size N IFFT blockperforms an IFFT operation on the N parallel symbol streams to generate time-domain output signals. The parallel-to-serial blockconverts (such as multiplexes) the parallel time-domain output symbols from the size N IFFT blockin order to generate a serial time-domain signal. The add cyclic prefix blockinserts a cyclic prefix to the time-domain signal. The up-convertermodulates (such as up-converts) the output of the add cyclic prefix blockto a RF frequency for transmission via a wireless channel. The signal may also be filtered at a baseband before conversion to the RF frequency.

4 FIG.B 455 460 465 470 475 480 As illustrated in, the down-converterdown-converts the received signal to a baseband frequency, and the remove cyclic prefix blockremoves the cyclic prefix to generate a serial time-domain baseband signal. The serial-to-parallel blockconverts the time-domain baseband signal to parallel time-domain signals. The size N FFT blockperforms an FFT algorithm to generate N parallel frequency-domain signals. The (P-to-S) blockconverts the parallel frequency-domain signals to a sequence of modulated data symbols. The channel decoding and demodulation blockdemodulates and decodes the modulated symbols to recover the original input data stream.

101 103 400 111 116 450 111 116 111 116 400 101 103 450 101 103 Each of the gNBs-may implement a transmit paththat is analogous to transmitting in the downlink to UEs-and may implement a receive paththat is analogous to receiving in the uplink from UEs-. Similarly, each of UEs-may implement a transmit pathfor transmitting in the uplink to gNBs-and may implement a receive pathfor receiving in the downlink from gNBs-.

4 4 FIGS.A andB 4 4 FIGS.A andB 470 415 Each of the components incan be implemented using only hardware or using a combination of hardware and software/firmware. As a particular example, at least some of the components inmay be implemented in software, while other components may be implemented by configurable hardware or a mixture of software and configurable hardware. For instance, the FFT blockand the IFFT blockmay be implemented as configurable software algorithms, where the value of size N may be modified according to the implementation.

Furthermore, although described as using FFT and IFFT, this is by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other types of transforms, such as Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) functions, can be used. It will be appreciated that the value of the variable N may be any integer number (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or the like) for DFT and IDFT functions, while the value of the variable N may be any integer number that is a power of two (such as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or the like) for FFT and IFFT functions.

4 4 FIGS.A andB 4 4 FIGS.A andB 4 4 FIGS.A andB 4 4 FIGS.A andB 400 450 Althoughillustrate examples of wireless transmit and receive pathsand, respectively, various changes may be made to. For example, various components incan be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added according to particular needs. Also,are meant to illustrate examples of the types of transmit and receive paths that can be used in a wireless network. Any other suitable architectures can be used to support wireless communications in a wireless network.

5 FIG. 1 FIG. 5 FIG. 500 500 111 116 116 illustrates example configurations of operation with multiple sub-bandsaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the operation with multiple sub-bandscan be utilized by any of the UEs-of, such as the UE. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Although two sub-bands are illustrated in, the example configurations can be generalized to more than two sub-bands. The terminology of sub-band can also be referred to as carrier, or frequency component, or frequency range, or bandwidth component, or carrier component, or cell component.

510 5 FIG. A i−1 i i i For a first example configuration (in), the configuration can include a common reference starting frequency (e.g., denoted as Point A, and its frequency location can be denoted as f) for all the sub-bands. A lowest sub-band (e.g., denoted as sub-band with index i with i=1) has an offset (e.g., denoted as O) from Point A. A sub-band other than the lowest sub-band (e.g., denoted as sub-band with index i with i>1) has a gap (e.g., denoted as G) from its lower sub-band (e.g., denoted as sub-band with index i−1). A bandwidth of sub-band with index i is denoted as S. A number of sub-bands in the configuration can be denoted as I, such that Sis with 1≤i≤I, and Gis with 1≤i≤I−1.

A For one sub-example, fcan be configured, e.g., in a system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in a dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration).

A A For another sub-example, fcan be pre-determined, e.g., per frequency band. For one further implementation, the pre-determined value can be applied when the configuration of fis not provided.

A For yet another sub-example, fcan correspond to an absolute frequency, e.g., a channel raster entry.

i For one sub-example, a common subcarrier spacing (SCS) can be configured or pre-determined for all sub-bands, e.g., applied for at least one of O, and/or at least one value in Si, and/or at least one value in G. For one further implementation, the common subcarrier spacing can be configured in system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration).

i i−1 i i For another sub-example, a dedicated subcarrier spacing can be configured or pre-determine per sub-band, e.g., a SCS with index i can be associated with sub-band within index i. For one further implementation, the dedicated subcarrier spacing can be configured in system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration). For another further implementation, SCS with index i>1 can be applicable to at least one of Sand/or G. For yet another further implementation, SCS with index i=1 can be applicable to at least one of Sand/or O. For yet another further implementation, SCS with index i can be applicable to G.

For one sub-example, O can be configured, e.g., in system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration).

For another sub-example, O can be pre-determined, e.g., per frequency band. For one further implementation, the pre-determined value can be applied when the configuration of O is not provided. For another further implementation, O can be pre-determined as 0.

For yet another sub-example, a unit of O can be a SCS, e.g., O is an integer value in the unit of the SCS. For one instance, the SCS corresponds to the SCS of the lowest sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index 1). For another instance, the SCS corresponds to the minimum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the maximum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the common SCS for all the sub-bands.

For yet another sub-example, a unit of O can be a resource block (RB), e.g., O is an integer value in the unit of the RB. For one instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the SCS of the lowest sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index 1). For another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the minimum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the maximum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the common SCS for all the sub-bands.

i For one sub-example, Gcan be configured, e.g., in system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration).

i i i i i i For another sub-example, Gcan be pre-determined, e.g., per frequency band. For one further implementation, the pre-determined value can be applied when the configuration of Gis not provided. For another further implementation, Gcan be pre-determined as 0. For yet another further implementation, Gcan be pre-determined as a fixed value in the specification for system operation, e.g., determined based on a minimum requirement on guard band between two consecutive sub-bands. For yet another further implementation, Gcan have a requirement on a minimum value (e.g., a minimum value requirement on the guard band between two consecutive sub-bands). For yet another further implementation, Gcan have a requirement on a maximum value (e.g., a maximum value requirement on the distance between two consecutive sub-bands).

i i i For yet another sub-example, Gcan be a common value for all i. For one instance, if Gis configured, then a common configuration is applied to all gaps between sub-bands. For another instance, if Gis pre-determined, then a common pre-determined value is applied to all gaps between sub-bands.

i i i For yet another sub-example, Gcan be associated with a value of i, and can be same or different for different value of i. For one instance, if Gis configured, then a separate configuration is applied to a gap between two consecutive sub-bands. For another instance, if Gis pre-determined, then a separate pre-determined value is applied to a gap between two consecutive sub-bands.

i i For yet another sub-example, a unit of Gcan be a SCS, e.g., Gis an integer value in the unit of the SCS. For one instance, the SCS corresponds to the SCS of the lower sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index i). For another instance, the SCS corresponds to the SCS of the higher sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index i+1). For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the minimum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the maximum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the common SCS for all the sub-bands.

i For yet another sub-example, a unit of Gi can be a RB, e.g., Gis an integer value in the unit of the RB. For one instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the SCS of the lower sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index i). For another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the SCS of the higher sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index i+1). For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the minimum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the maximum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the common SCS for all the sub-bands.

i For one sub-example, Scan be configured, e.g., in system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration).

i i i i i For another sub-example, Scan be pre-determined, e.g., per frequency band. For one further implementation, the pre-determined value can be applied when the configuration of Sis not provided. For another further implementation, Scan be pre-determined as a fixed value in the specification for system operation, e.g., determined based on a maximum transmission or system operation bandwidth of the associated sub-band. For yet another further implementation, Scan have a requirement on a minimum value (e.g., a minimum value requirement on the bandwidth of a sub-band). For yet another further implementation, Scan have a requirement on a maximum value (e.g., a maximum value requirement on the bandwidth of a sub-band).

i i i For yet another sub-example, Scan be a common value for all i. For one instance, if Sis configured, then a common configuration is applied to all sub-bands. For another instance, if Sis pre-determined, then a common pre-determined value is applied to all sub-bands.

i i i For yet another sub-example, Scan be associated with a value of i, and can be same or different for different value of i. For one instance, if Sis configured, then a separate configuration is applied to a sub-band. For another instance, if Sis pre-determined, then a separate pre-determined value is applied to a sub-band.

i i For yet another sub-example, a unit of Scan be a SCS, e.g., Sis an integer value in the unit of the SCS. For one instance, the SCS corresponds to the SCS of the sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index i). For another instance, the SCS corresponds to the minimum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the maximum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the common SCS for all the sub-bands.

i i For yet another sub-example, a unit of Scan be a RB, e.g., Sis an integer value in the unit of the RB. For one instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the SCS of the sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index i). For another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the minimum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the maximum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the common SCS for all the sub-bands.

520 5 FIG. A,i i i i i For a second example configuration (in), the configuration can include a dedicated reference starting frequency (e.g., denoted as Point A #i to be associated with sub-band with index i, and its frequency location can be denoted as f) for a sub-band. A sub-band (e.g., denoted as sub-band with index i) has an offset (e.g., denoted as O) from its associated Point A. A bandwidth of sub-band with index i is denoted as S. A number of sub-bands in the configuration can be denoted as I, such that Sis with 1≤i≤I, and Ois with 1≤i≤I.

A,i For one sub-example, fcan be configured, e.g., in a system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration),.

A,i A,i For another sub-example, fcan be pre-determined, e.g., per frequency band. For one further implementation, the pre-determined value can be applied when the configuration of fis not provided.

A,i For yet another sub-example, fcan correspond to an absolute frequency, e.g., a channel raster entry.

i i For one sub-example, a common subcarrier spacing (SCS) can be configured for all sub-bands, e.g., applied for at least one of O, and/or at least one value in S. For one further implementation, the common subcarrier spacing can be configured in system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration).

i i For another sub-example, a dedicated subcarrier spacing can be configured per sub-band, e.g., a SCS with index i can be associated with sub-band within index i. For one further implementation, the dedicated subcarrier spacing can be configured in system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration). For another further implementation, SCS with index i can be applicable to at least one of Sand/or O.

i For one sub-example, Ocan be configured, e.g., in system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration).

i i i i For another sub-example, Ocan be pre-determined, e.g., per frequency band. For one further implementation, the pre-determined value can be applied when the configuration of Ois not provided. For another further implementation, Ocan be pre-determined as 0. For yet another further implementation, Ocan be pre-determined as a fixed value in the specification for system operation, e.g., determined based on a minimum requirement on guard band between two sub-bands.

i i i For yet another sub-example, Ocan be a common value for all i. For one instance, if Ois configured, then a common configuration is applied to all sub-bands. For another instance, if Ois pre-determined, then a common pre-determined value is applied to all sub-bands.

i i i For yet another sub-example, Ocan be associated with a value of i, and can be same or different for different value of i. For one instance, if Ois configured, then a separate configuration is applied to the sub-band with index i. For another instance, if Ois pre-determined, then a separate pre-determined value is applied to the sub-band with index i.

i i For yet another sub-example, a unit of Ocan be a SCS, e.g., Ois an integer value in the unit of the SCS. For one instance, the SCS corresponds to the SCS of the sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index i). For another instance, the SCS corresponds to the minimum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the maximum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the common SCS for all the sub-bands.

i i For yet another sub-example, a unit of Ocan be a resource block (RB), e.g., Ois an integer value in the unit of the RB. For one instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the SCS of the sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index i). For another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the minimum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the maximum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the common SCS for all the sub-bands.

i For one sub-example, Scan be configured, e.g., in system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1), and/or in dedicated RRC parameter (such as a serving cell configuration).

i i i For another sub-example, Scan be pre-determined, e.g., per frequency band. For one further implementation, the pre-determined value can be applied when the configuration of Sis not provided. For another further implementation, Scan be pre-determined as a fixed value in the specification for system operation, e.g., determined based on a maximum transmission or system operation bandwidth of the associated sub-band.

i i i For yet another sub-example, Scan be a common value for all i. For one instance, if Sis configured, then a common configuration is applied to all sub-bands. For another instance, if Sis pre-determined, then a common pre-determined value is applied to all sub-bands.

i i i For yet another sub-example, Scan be associated with a value of i, and can be same or different for different value of i. For one instance, if Sis configured, then a separate configuration is applied to a sub-band. For another instance, if Sis pre-determined, then a separate pre-determined value is applied to a sub-band.

i i For yet another sub-example, a unit of Scan be a SCS, e.g., Sis an integer value in the unit of the SCS. For one instance, the SCS corresponds to the SCS of the sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index i). For another instance, the SCS corresponds to the minimum SCS of all the sub-bands.

For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the maximum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS corresponds to the common SCS for all the sub-bands.

i i For yet another sub-example, a unit of Scan be a RB, e.g., Sis an integer value in the unit of the RB. For one instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the SCS of the sub-band (e.g., sub-band with index i). For another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the minimum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the maximum SCS of all the sub-bands. For yet another instance, the SCS of the RB corresponds to the common SCS for all the sub-bands.

For a third example, combination of the first example and the second example can be supported, e.g., for some of the sub-bands, the first example configuration is applied, and for the remaining of the sub-bands, the second example configuration is applied.

6 FIG. 1 FIG. 600 600 111 116 116 illustrates an example of operation based on multiple initial bandwidth parts (i-BWP)according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the operation based on multiple i-BWPcan be utilized by any of the UEs-of, such as the UE. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

6 FIG. For one example, as shown in, at least one sub-band of the multiple sub-bands can include a signal or channel for initial access purpose (e.g., time and/or frequency domain synchronization and/or system information delivery), and a UE can be provided with a bandwidth in each of the multiple sub-bands for receiving further common signal or channel and/or transmitting uplink signal or channel for initial access.

For one instance, the SSB can be associated with a system information block (e.g., SIB1), which can also be referred as cell-defining SSB (CD-SSB). For another instance, the SSB can be located on a synchronization raster entry in the frequency domain. For one sub-example, the signal or channel for initial access purpose can be synchronization signals and/or physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) block (SSB).

For one instance, the i-BWP can be either a downlink i-BWP or an uplink i-BWP. When the configurations of downlink i-BWP and uplink i-BWP are different (e.g., for FDD operation), each of the configurations of downlink i-BWP and uplink i-BWP can be according to an example or sub-example in this disclosure. For another sub-example, the bandwidth in each of the multiple sub-bands can be referred as an initial bandwidth part (i-BWP).

For one sub-example, the at least one sub-band including the signal or channel for initial access purpose can be referred as an anchor sub-band. For one further implementation, the anchor sub-band can be any sub-band within the multiple sub-bands.

For another sub-example, a sub-band not including the signal or channel for initial access purpose can be referred as a non-anchor sub-band.

For one instance, the configuration of the i-BWP #k can include a number of RBs of the i-BWP #k. offset For another instance, the configuration of the i-BWP #k can include a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of the i-BWP (or CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH). SSB For yet another instance, the configuration of the i-BWP #k can include a subcarrier offset (e.g., k) between the first subcarrier of the first RB of the SSB and the first subcarrier of the common RB that overlapping with the first subcarrier of the first RB of the SSB. For yet another instance, the configuration can also include time domain information on the search space set to monitor PDCCH for system information block (e.g., Type0-PDCCH). For yet another instance, the configuration can be included in the master information block (MIB) of the SSB. For one sub-example, for a given anchor sub-band (e.g., denoted as sub-band with index k), the SSB associated with the anchor sub-band can provide a configuration of the i-BWP (e.g., denoted as i-BWP #k) in the sub-band with index k. For a further implementation, a system information block (e.g., SIB1) to be received in the i-BWP #k can include at least configuration(s) of the i-BWP(s) in other sub-bands (e.g., non-anchor sub-band(s)). For another further implementation, the system information block (e.g., SIB1) to be received in the i-BWP #k can also include configuration of the i-BWP #k (e.g., the anchor sub-band) in addition to configuration(s) of the i-BWP(s) in other sub-bands (e.g., non-anchor sub-band(s)), e.g., configuration(s) of all the i-BWPs.

For another sub-example, for a given anchor sub-band (e.g., denoted as sub-band with index k), the SSB associated with the anchor sub-band can provide configuration(s) of all the i-BWPs.

For one instance, the configuration on the time domain information on the search space set to monitor PDCCH for system information block (e.g., Type0-PDCCH) can be common for all the i-BWPs. For another instance, the configuration on the number of OFDM symbols for the CORESET to monitor PDCCH for system information block (e.g., Type0-PDCCH) can be common for all the i-BWPs. For yet another instance, the configuration on the subcarrier spacing for the CORESET to monitor PDCCH for system information block (e.g., Type0-PDCCH) can be common for all the i-BWPs. For yet another instance, the configuration on the number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor PDCCH for system information block (e.g., Type0-PDCCH) can be common for all the i-BWPs.For yet another instance, the configuration on the kSSB can be common for all the i-BWPs. For one sub-example, some configuration(s) of all the i-BWPs can be common.

offset For one instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. SSB offset For another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a value of kfor the sub-band, a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. offset offset For yet another instance, one set of sub-configurations is associated with the anchor sub-band, which includes a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the anchor sub-band; and each set in the remaining set of sub-configurations is associated with one of the remaining sub-band, which includes a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on anchor sub-band and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. SSB offset SSB offset For yet another instance, one set of sub-configurations is associated with the anchor sub-band, which includes a value of kfor the anchor sub-band, a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the anchor sub-band; and each set in the remaining set of sub-configurations is associated with one of the remaining sub-band, which includes a value of kfor the associated sub-band, a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on anchor sub-band and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. For yet another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a starting RB for the i-BWP comparing to the lowest RB of the associated sub-band, and a number of RB as the bandwidth of the i-BWP. SSB For yet another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a value of kfor the associated sub-band, a starting RB for the i-BWP comparing to the lowest RB of the associated sub-band, and a number of RB as the bandwidth of the i-BWP. For one sub-example, configuration(s) of all the i-BWPs can include K sets of sub-configurations, wherein K is the number of i-BWPs.

offset For one instance, the frequency information includes a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the lowest sub-band. For another instance, the frequency information includes a number of RBs as bandwidth for each sub-band. For yet another instance, the frequency information includes a number of RBs as gap between each two consecutive sub-bands. SSB For yet another instance, the frequency information includes a value of k. For yet another instance, the configuration(s) further include an indication on which sub-band is the anchor sub-band or which CORESET is associated with the anchor sub-band. For yet another instance, the UE can determine the CORESET overlapping with the SSB is the CORESET associated with the anchor sub-band. For another sub-example, configuration(s) of all the i-BWPs can include a configuration for frequency information of all the CORESETs in the sub-bands.

offset For one instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. SSB offset For another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a value of kfor the sub-band, a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. offset For yet another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated a sub-band, and includes a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on anchor sub-band and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. SSB offset For yet another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated a sub-band, and includes a value of kfor the associated sub-band, a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on anchor sub-band and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. For yet another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a starting RB for the i-BWP comparing to the lowest RB of the associated sub-band, and a number of RB as the bandwidth of the i-BWP. SSB For yet another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a value of kfor the associated sub-band, a starting RB for the i-BWP comparing to the lowest RB of the associated sub-band, and a number of RB as the bandwidth of the i-BWP. For one sub-example, configuration(s) of all the remaining i-BWPs (e.g., other than the i-BWP in anchor sub-band) can include K−1 sets of sub-configurations, wherein K is the number of i-BWPs.

For one instance, the determination can be based on UE identity and/or pre-defined UE grouping information. For another instance, the determination can be based on an indication in the SSB (e.g., PBCH payload, or DM-RS of PBCH, or SSS, or a sync signal included in the SSB). For yet another instance, the determination can be based on an indication in the Type0-PDCCH. For yet another instance, the determination can be based on an indication in the system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1). For one sub-example, a UE can determine at least one from the multiple i-BWPs to use.

7 FIG. 1 FIG. 700 700 111 116 116 illustrates an example of operation based on a single i-BWP across multiple sub-bandsaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the operation based on single i-BWP across multiple sub-bandscan be utilized by any of the UEs-of, such as the UE. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

7 FIG. For one example, as shown in, at least one sub-band of the multiple sub-bands can include a signal or channel for initial access purpose (e.g., time and/or frequency domain synchronization and/or system information delivery), and a UE can be provided with a bandwidth across multiple sub-bands for receiving further common signal or channel and/or transmitting uplink signal or channel for initial access.

For one instance, the SSB can be associated with a system information block (e.g., SIB1), which can also be referred as cell-defining SSB (CD-SSB). For another instance, the SSB can be located on a synchronization raster entry in the frequency domain. For one sub-example, the signal or channel for initial access purpose can be synchronization signals and/or physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) block (SSB).

For one instance, the i-BWP can be either a downlink i-BWP or an uplink i-BWP. When the configurations of downlink i-BWP and uplink i-BWP are different (e.g., for FDD operation), each of the configurations of downlink i-BWP and uplink i-BWP can be according to an example or sub-example in this disclosure. For another sub-example, the bandwidth in each of the multiple sub-bands can be referred as an initial bandwidth part (i-BWP).

For one sub-example, the at least one sub-band including the signal or channel for initial access purpose can be referred as an anchor sub-band. For one further implementation, the anchor sub-band can be any sub-band within the multiple sub-bands.

For another sub-example, a sub-band not including the signal or channel for initial access purpose can be referred as a non-anchor sub-band.

offset For another instance, the configuration of the i-BWP #k can include a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of the i-BWP (or CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH). SSB For yet another instance, the configuration of the i-BWP #k can include a subcarrier offset (e.g., k) between the first subcarrier of the first RB of the SSB and the first subcarrier of the common RB that overlapping with the first subcarrier of the first RB of the SSB. For yet another instance, the configuration can also include time domain information on the search space set to monitor PDCCH for system information block (e.g., Type0-PDCCH). For yet another instance, the configuration can be included in the master information block (MIB) of the SSB. For one instance, the configuration of the i-BWP #k can include a number of RBs of the i-BWP #k. For one sub-example, for a given anchor sub-band (e.g., denoted as sub-band with index k), the SSB associated with the anchor sub-band can provide a configuration of an i-BWP (e.g., denoted as i-BWP #k) in the sub-band with index k. For a further implementation, a system information block (e.g., SIB1) to be received in the i-BWP #k can include configuration(s) of the i-BWPs across all sub-bands.

For one sub-example, for a given anchor sub-band (e.g., denoted as sub-band with index k), the SSB associated with the anchor sub-band can provide a configuration of the i-BWP.

offset For one instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. SSB offset For another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a value of kfor the sub-band, a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. offset offset For yet another instance, one set of sub-configurations is associated with the anchor sub-band, which includes a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the anchor sub-band; and each set in the remaining set of sub-configurations is associated with one of the remaining sub-band, which includes a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on anchor sub-band and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. SSB offset SSB offset For yet another instance, one set of sub-configurations is associated with the anchor sub-band, which includes a value of kfor the anchor sub-band, a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the anchor sub-band; and each set in the remaining set of sub-configurations is associated with one of the remaining sub-band, which includes a value of kfor the associated sub-band, a number of RBs for the CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH, and a RB offset (e.g., N) between the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on anchor sub-band and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the associated sub-band. For yet another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a starting RB for the i-BWP comparing to the lowest RB of the associated sub-band, and a number of RB as the bandwidth of the i-BWP. SSB For yet another instance, each set of sub-configurations is associated with a sub-band, and includes a value of kfor the associated sub-band, a starting RB for the i-BWP comparing to the lowest RB of the associated sub-band, and a number of RB as the bandwidth of the i-BWP. For one sub-example, configuration(s) of the i-BWPs can include K sets of sub-configurations, wherein K is the number of i-BWPs.

offset For one instance, the frequency information includes a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the lowest sub-band. For another instance, the frequency information includes a number of RBs as bandwidth for each sub-band. For yet another instance, the frequency information includes a number of RBs as gap between each two consecutive sub-bands. SSB For yet another instance, the frequency information includes a value of k. For yet another instance, the configuration(s) further include an indication on which sub-band is the anchor sub-band or which CORESET is associated with the anchor sub-band. For yet another instance, the UE can determine the CORESET overlapping with the SSB is the CORESET associated with the anchor sub-band. For another sub-example, configuration(s) of the i-BWP can include a configuration for frequency information of all the sub-bands.

offset For one instance, the frequency information includes a RB offset (e.g., N) between the RB overlapping with the lowest RB of the SSB and the lowest RB of CORESET to monitor Type0-PDCCH on the lowest sub-band. For another instance, the frequency information includes a number of RBs as bandwidth of the i-BWP across multiple sub-bands. SSB For yet another instance, the frequency information includes a value of k. For yet another instance, the configuration(s) further include an indication on which sub-band is the anchor sub-band or which CORESET is associated with the anchor sub-band. For yet another instance, the UE can determine the CORESET overlapping with the SSB is the CORESET associated with the anchor sub-band. For yet another instance, based on the configuration of sub-bands, the UE can determine which resources are included in the gap between two consecutive sub-bands. For yet another sub-example, configuration(s) of the i-BWP can include a configuration for frequency information of all the sub-bands.

For one instance, the determination can be based on UE identity and/or pre-defined UE grouping information. For another instance, the determination can be based on an indication in the SSB (e.g., PBCH payload) For yet another instance, the determination can be based on an indication in the Type0-PDCCH. For yet another instance, the determination can be based on an indication in the system information block (such as SIB1 or SIBx where x>1). For one sub-example, a UE can determine resources in at least one from the multiple sub-bands to use.

i For one sub-example, the UE can assume the resources in the gap(s) between two consecutive sub-bands (e.g., RBs or subcarriers in G) are available for downlink reception, e.g., PDCCH and/or PDSCH of system information block or RAR or paging are not using those resources.

i For another sub-example, the UE can assume the resources in the gap(s) between two consecutive sub-bands (e.g., RBs or subcarriers in G) are available for uplink transmission, e.g., PRACH occasion or PUSCH occasion is not valid if overlapping with such resources, and/or PRACH or msgA, or msg3 are not transmitted in those resources.

For one sub-example, for a given UE, its transmission and/or reception in the i-BWP can be restricted to one sub-band. For instance, the mapping and/or resource allocation of one downlink reception or one uplink transmission is confined within the resources in one sub-band.

For another sub-example, for a given UE, its transmission and/or reception in the i-BWP can be across sub-bands. For instance, the mapping and/or resource allocation of one downlink reception or one uplink transmission can be based on multiple the sub-bands (e.g., all the sub-bands in the i-BWP), e.g., rate matching around the resources in gap(s), and/or puncturing the resources in gap(s).

8 FIG. 8 FIG. 1 FIG. 3 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 800 800 111 116 116 101 103 102 800 illustrates an example UE procedurefor operation based on multiple sub-bands according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The procedureofcan be performed by any of the UEs-of, such as the UEof, and a corresponding method can be performed by any of the BSs-of, such as BSof. The procedureis for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

800 116 810 820 830 840 3 FIG. The procedurebegins with a UE, such as UEof, receives a synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) block (). The UE then identifies configurations for multiple i-BWPs in multiple sub-bands based on the SS/PBCH block (). The UE then determines at least one i-BWP (). The UE then receives a system information block based on the at least one i-BWP ().

9 FIG. 9 FIG. 1 FIG. 3 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 900 900 111 116 116 101 103 102 900 illustrates another example UE procedurefor operation based on multiple sub-bands according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The procedureofcan be performed by any of the UEs-of, such as the UEof, and a corresponding method can be performed by any of the BSs-of, such as BSof. The procedureis for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

900 910 920 930 940 950 The procedurebegins with the UE receiving an SS/PBCH block (). The UE then identifies configurations for a first i-BWP based on the SS/PBCH block (). The UE then receives a system information block based on the first i-BWP (). The UE then identifies configurations for a second i-BWP across multiple sub-bands (). The UE then receives and transmits based on the second i-BWP ().

10 FIG. 10 FIG. 1 FIG. 3 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 1000 1000 111 116 116 101 103 102 1000 illustrates an example methodperformed by a UE in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The methodofcan be performed by any of the UEs-of, such as the UEof, and a corresponding method can be performed by any of the BSs-of, such as BSof. The methodis for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

1000 1010 1020 1030 The methodbegins with the UE receiving a SS/PBCH block in a cell (). The UE then identifies a first iBWP based on the SS/PBCH block (). The UE then receives a system information block, based on the first iBWP ().

1040 1040 The UE then identifies, based on the system information block, a set of sub-bands associated with the cell (). For example, in, the first iBWP is within a first sub-band in the set of sub-bands, and the set of sub-bands do not overlap in a frequency domain. In various embodiments, the sub-bands in the set of sub-bands are associated with a same subcarrier spacing. In various embodiments, a lowest sub-band in the set of sub-bands starts with a frequency offset with respect to a reference frequency, and the frequency offset and the reference frequency are provided by the system information block. In various embodiments, each sub-band in the set of sub-bands has a bandwidth of an integer number of consecutive RBs, and the integer number is provided by the system information block. In various embodiments, a gap between two neighboring sub-bands in the set of sub-bands is an integer number of consecutive RBs, and the integer number is provided by the system information block.

In various embodiments, the UE determines a first configuration of a second iBWP based on the system information block. The second iBWP is within a second sub-band in the set of sub-bands, and the first and second sub-bands are different. In various embodiments, the UE determines, based on the system information block, a second configuration of a physical random access preamble to be transmitted in the second iBWP, and a third configuration of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to be monitored in the second iBWP.

Any of the above variation embodiments can be utilized independently or in combination with at least one other variation embodiment. The above flowcharts illustrate example methods that can be implemented in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and various changes could be made to the methods illustrated in the flowcharts herein. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in each figure could overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times. In another example, steps may be omitted or replaced by other steps.

Although the figures illustrate different examples of user equipment, various changes may be made to the figures. For example, the user equipment can include any number of each component in any suitable arrangement. In general, the figures do not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular configuration(s). Moreover, while figures illustrate operational environments in which various user equipment features disclosed in this patent document can be used, these features can be used in any other suitable system.

Although the present disclosure has been described with exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. None of the descriptions in this application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element that must be included in the claims scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined by the claims.